The Panthers were on a mission to improve their offensive line, and protect their number-one pick, Bryce Young. They were able to do so by splashing on the signing of Guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis. The other mission was to improve the wide receiver room, and they completed this by trading for Dionte Johnson and drafting Xavier Legette. While focusing and fulfilling the two biggest needs for this offseason, the Panthers traded away arguably their best player on the roster. Brian Burns Is one of the best edge rushers in the NFL, and it created a hole on the Panthers defensive line. The defense lost a lot of talent throughout the offseason, and it really diminished the improvements on the offense.

How do the Saints matchup with the Panthers

Both the Saints and the Panthers had important changes to their roster this offseason. Last season, the Saints were able to sweep the Panthers, but it is always hard to keep dominance over a division rival. The Panthers are coming off of a 2-15 season and took the position of worst team in the NFL. Although the Panthers tried to make positive changes to improve on that record, it was in tandem with impactful roster losses.

Going to the position group, at QB, the Saints win this matchup. Bryce Young is early in his career and still learning, but his first year was not enough to be fully confident in year 2. Although the Panthers improved their offensive line, they still have concerns about the tackles. The position group that will make a difference for the Panthers is wide receivers, and they will make the Saints defensive backs work in this game. Saying this, the Saints have one of the DB rooms in the NFL and will be able to compete with the Panthers receiving core.

Now, focusing on the Panthers’ defense, the Saints’ offense should win this battle. The Panthers’ defensive line got worse, and the Saints should take care of business in pass block. However, in the run game, the threat of Derrik Brown is a worry. The Panthers no longer have the threat off the edge in Brian Burns, and the Saints will be very happy about that. Going to the Panthers defensive back room, there were major losses. Jaycee Horn is by far the number one DB, but besides an aging Jordan Fuller, there is not much competition behind him. The Saints wide receiver group will really take control of this matchup and have great performances. In both games, the Saints should beat the Panthers and re-peat last season’s sweep. Who do you think will be the X-factor for the Saints in this matchup?

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